Is Orrin Woodward's LIFE Team a scam?
I just finished reading an article about Orrin Woodward Scams. Orrin has been in community building for 18 years so it's hard to believe someone would suggest he runs a scam. However, since he is a whistleblower against Amway and is radically changing the face of networking, he should expect to be criticized by bigger non-competitive companies. Dan Hawkins identifies why the Amway drones continue to smear Orrin Woodward because he has designed and developed a leadership model and compensation plan that is the lower price and yet pays out twice as much as competitor models do.
Seriously, in my opinion and today's internet age, if a company cannot compete against its more nimble and aggressive competitors, it resorts to investing millions of dollars for lawsuits and propaganda smear campaigns against the better leaders and ideas. Both of these tactics have failed to stop Orrin Woodward and his LIFE TEAM. Here's the full article:
Orrin Woodward-Scam Artist or…Real Leader?
My experiences with Orrin Woodward and Team
Orrin Woodward’s critics say that he’s at worst a scam artist or, least an ineffective leader…What’s the real truth?
Orrin Woodward Scam?
Recently I read on Orrin Woodward’s blog a response to the accusations of the supposed ‘Orrin Woodward scam’
In my opinion, the answers provided in Orrin’s blog post combined with my own personal experiences with Orrin and TEAM effectively put the record straight once and for all.
Currently, America is passing through very difficult times. Many struggle with mounting debt, layoffs and the unraveling of the very fabric of our society.
Fear Mongers, critics, cynics and naysayers run rampant. Modern technology has proven to be both a blessing and curse as anyone with an agenda and 15 minutes can hammer out a blog post to subtly mislead or pervert the truth.
Never before in history has information been so easily obtainable yet, so overwhelming. What’s right, what’s wrong and who should you believe?
As evidence, a simple Google search for Orrin Woodward’s name (or any other topic on the internet) yields both positive and negative information thus raising the question, how does anyone wade through the lies, half-truths and deliberate deception in all the information to get to the truth?
The Orrin Woodward Scam…debunking the lies
Accused by his critics as a scam artist and charlatan, Orrin has been maligned by cowards and others with hidden agendas. But what of the allegations and purported ‘evidence’ one finds online? How does someone filter through the barrage of information all claiming to be ‘true?’
As a people, Americans have moved away from starting logically with a question to answer via sound research to the illogical end of a pre-determined answer verified with faulty evidence.
Beginning at the end and working backwards is dangerous place from which to make a decision about a business, race or a person. Choosing the easy answer grants an easy victory however; on the wrong hill.
Orrin Woodward's Critics: Wolves In Sheep's Clothing
Orrin’s critics are like deskbound generals whom have never actually shouldered a rifle and stepped onto a battlefield to gain real battlefield experience. Instead, they deflect the moral responsibility to gather hard won evidence and choose to confirm their cowardly positions with half-baked facts.
The real truth lies not in what the various pundits and charlatans are babbling on about; rather, it lies in researching all sources, weighing things out in our minds and then making a decision based on the preponderance evidence coupled with a personal gut check.
Sadly, in today’s world of instant information, anyone can ‘sound’ authoritative however; simply spewing out a statement as the truth without a solid base of evidence is, well…only opinion.
Unfortunately, people blindly accept something as the truth without stopping to look at evidence and especially RESULTS.
Orrin and Team: A Kingdom Divided Against Itself?
Over the years I’ve too often seen people join an organization such the LIFE TEAM then paradoxically, they become both scared and excited at the same time.
Seeking to either confirm their decision or, justify it to others they’ll Google Orrin Woodward, TEAM, or Living Intentionally For Excellence, and BOOM...they find both negative and positive information.
Are there any solid methods to divide out a scam from the truth? Yes, there are many, battle-tested keys.
However, first and foremost, the best way to exposing scams is to really do your homework. Dig into the topic, talk to people, and form your own opinion.
Keys to Exposing Scams
Key # 1—Logic+Reason+Emotion=The Answer
Orrin Woodward’s article about exposing scams is spot on. In his post, Orrin teaches is that you need to approach any question using logic and reason and find out for yourself whether someone is telling truth about the topic; for example...whether the ‘Orrin Woodward Scam’ allegations are true. (This parenthetically, is evidence that Orrin’s not a scam artist for if he were scamming people, he wouldn’t give them the tools to expose him.)
Key # 2—Go To Primary Source, NOT Secondary Ones
The next key to exposing a scam is going directly to the source in question, not secondary information.
For example, does God exist?
This single question has been debated for millennia with countless volumes written answering both pro and con. The answer is simple…go to the source and ask. Ask God if He exists…then sit still, listen with your heart.
I guarantee that you’ll get better answers going directly to the primary source faster than you will from the half-baked opinions found in secondary sources.
Is Orrin Woodward or TEAM a fraud? Simply ask Orrin or someone in Team…not some weak sauce website.
Key # 2—The Law Of Witnesses
Orrin shares the personal testimonies of others to help the honest seeker think and decide based on the experiences of others. Below I’ve added my own personal experience with Orrin Woodward to the growing mound of solid evidence that Orrin’s not a scam artist.
Key # 3—The Source’s Personal Results
As you read anything, ask yourself, ‘does the person whose offering me advice or making a statement have any direct, personal experience with the subject or person?’
Whether it’s about Orrin Woodward, the LIFE TEAM, or anything else, you must critically ask, ‘has this source actually had any measurable and documented experience with the subject?’ If not, then it’s just someone’s possibly biased opinion…nothing else.
Key # 4—What’s Their Motive?
Everyone has an agenda, that’s human nature. However, as you seek answers, continually ask yourself, ‘what’s the person’s agenda? Is it to informed or deceive?’
We’ve all made decisions based on emotions and then attempt to justify with logic; that too is human nature.
Everyone’s experienced the euphoric rush after an emotional purchase or a decision (like joining TEAM) and we’ve all felt the pangs of the ‘second guess.’ Someone who means well or, ‘is looking out for our best interests’ challenges our decision and we rush to find logical validation for our actions.
Perhaps you’ve done this yourself. You’ve joined Team and did a quick, Google search to find vindication. Now before you is both direct, personal testimonials from both Orrin Woodward and Team member mixed with half-baked disinformation.
Before determining that you’ve made a bad decision, about Orrin and his organization, ask yourself, ‘What is the motive behind this website and the content herein?’
Is the purpose to inform, or do they have an agenda? (Hint, most people have an agenda).
Here’s a rule that always works, ‘the spirit of contention and negativity is of the devil.’
Therefore, if something is negative, not uplifting or designed to malign then you have your true source.
Instead, read or listen using both reason and logic, and confirm your conclusion by checking your gut; if the information doesn’t make you feel good inside then it’s not good information.
Key #5—Guiding Hand or, Sleight Of Hand?
Is the information you’re reading providing solid references where you can educate yourself, or is it trying to trick with misinformation, invalidated claims and secondhand stories? If so, then that should also tell you more about the source and the underlying motive of the author.
Key # 6—Illogical Syllogisms, the Fool’s Template of Evidence
Follow this example:
“God is Love. Love is blind. Ray Charles is blind; therefore, Ray Charles is God.”
One can imagine Socrates rolling over in his grave from this example of what’s called an ‘illogical syllogism.’
‘Logically’ it makes sense; however, it’s obvious that Ray Charles is not in fact…God (though he’s one mighty good singer of soul!).
The various spin doctors, critics and charlatans who attack Orrin Woodward all make liberal use illogical syllogisms to deflect and deter people away from the truth.
Here’s a typical example: Joe and Nancy Public joined TEAM with dreams of financial success. However, life got in the way and they just never quite found time to work the business, attend meetings, or become leaders themselves.
Now, it’s been six months and they’re not millionaires. Seeking to justify their ineptness, they don’t shoulder the blame; instead they take the easy path and conclude that Orrin is a scam artist, TEAM is a fraud and they were duped.
See the pattern of deceit?
The final and grand key to exposing anything false. Not only is it simple but easily discernable…results.
The Grand Key: RESULTS
Orrin Woodward’s Organization—Real LIFE Results
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to associate with the Team and Orrin Woodward for a number of years now and have found in both Orrin and Team men and women of strong religious devotion coupled with a burning desire to integrity.
I’ve personally seen Orrin, as Team’s leader; along with the others in the Team organization, serve with full distinction and character.
Several months ago, I had the chance to catch up with Orrin about our lives and businesses. Orrin wanted me to work with TEAM on several projects however; prior to going into business together he wanted me to decide for myself if this was the best for me and my family by flying out to a Team Major first.
To aid my research, Orrin suggested that meet with not only him, but the entire Policy Council and spend several days talking and questioning whomever I wished in the Team organization and then draw my own conclusions.
I arrived with the goal of getting a solid feel for the man Orrin Woodward and learning more about him both as a person and as a leader. As a businessman I’ve both worked for and with scam artists and dishonest people.
Over the years my scam alert has become very finely tuned and I knew that given time and experience working with someone always reveals their true nature as a zebra can’t outrun its stripes. If Orrin was indeed a scam artist or, if Team is a fraud I’d know.
My Experience with Orrin Woodward and TEAM
My trip was one of the most impactful experiences of my business life. Orrin ensured that I was to be treated like a visiting dignitary. He asked someone to take time out of their busy day to pick me up at the airport when I arrived.
Following Orrin’s example of being a leader and a servant my host even offered to carry and load my suitcases in the car so I could rest and relax; this was only the beginning.
Arriving at the hotel, I was welcomed with smiles, handshakes and hugs from Orrin, his family and many TEAM LIFE members. What astounded me about being greeted in this manner was that except for Orrin, none of these people knew who I was.
Why was I given such a heart-felt welcome? One word…trust. Time had testified to these people that based on previous decisions Orrin had made always bore good fruit therefore, if Orrin liked and trusted me, then I was someone that they too could like and trust.
I immediately felt at ease and part of the loving, extended Team family.
Orrin astounded me again by personally calling two couples and asking them to be my guides and docents for the weekend. He asked if they’d mind not only attending to my needs, but also drive me wherever I needed to go, and most importantly, answer any questions I had…any questions.
During the weekend, Orrin, the Policy Council and everyone I talked to were completely open, frank and honest in answering any questions I had.
This celebrity-like status I was afforded equally matched by the humble service shown to me was nearly overwhelming.
As a seasoned businessman I’ve traveled the world visiting over 26 countries in my life. In my career, I’ve been shown kindness and attention. I once served as a senior visiting government dignitary who was hosted by the People’s Republic of China however; nothing compared to the way I was treated by Orrin and Team.
My Conclusions: Orrin Woodward, Scam Artist or Real Leader?
Finally on Sunday morning, Orrin pulled me aside, put his arm around my shoulder and walked with me down a hallway so we could talk privately. Orrin confided to me that he felt good about his decision to ask me to work with TEAM however; he wanted me make the best decision for both me and my family.
I looked Orrin in the eyes, and told him that after nearly two days of listening, talking to people, taking notes and seeking counsel from my Heavenly Father about what I had saw, heard and most importantly, I felt, I knew that I wanted to align myself with both he and his organization.
He smiled, and said he too felt good about the decision. He thanked me for coming; we shook hands and closed the deal.
Prior to heading back to the airport and my family, I again shook hands and thanked Orrin, each of the Policy Council members and my amazing hosts for a life-changing experience.
Is Orrin Woodward or Team a scam? The answer is an emphatic NO!
In both life and business, I’ve met a lot of scammers, liars and evil men; Orrin is none of these.
As I originally stated, you can only take my word at face value; it’s my experience, not yours. However, each time you read or talk to anyone about Orrin Woodward and TEAM, keep in mind the keys to revealing a scam. Do your research, talk to people, weigh out the evidence and then, check with your gut.
During your first few months and years in TEAM, you’ll have both unsuccessful people and outright liars warn to be careful and not fall prey to the ‘Orrin Woodward Scam.’
However, kindly ask the person, ‘how could a kingdom be divided against itself and be successful?’ Or make it more personal and more pointed, ask the critic to honestly answer: ‘you ever built a multimillion dollar, multinational business? If not, do you honestly feel you've any solid footing to make your unfounded statements?’
Finally, always remember what the Bible teaches about fraud and deception, 'Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.' (Matthew 7:20) Ask the critic to produce the fruits of their own results.
If they can’t then there’s your evidence.
To truth!
Hannibal
____________________
This is part one of the series of revealing scams. Next, we will discuss in detail each of the keys to exposing scams and how to avoid them
